The
National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) calculates the comparison between
investment value and operational costs for construction of nuclear power plant
(PLTN) reactor. Big investment value for the construction of reactor is very
likely covered with low operational costs. “Fuel component is only 10 percent
of operations,” Head of Nuclear Energy System Assessment Centre of BATAN,
Yarian to S. Budi, told Business News (June 9).
In addition, the raw material of
reactor, which is uranium, is not a significant problem. Instead, uranium is
relatively easy to find, included in the nuclear missile removal program. Some
countries, such as North Korea, Iran, and China will probably cancel their
missile program. As the United States (US) continued to pressure several
countries, including Iran and North Korea, to follow nuclear disarmament
program has an impact on the low price of uranium. In the future, nuclear
program leads to world stability. Because nuclear energy is used to meet the
needs of energy, We could buy uranium, PLTN could profit, and can produce it
themselves.”
BATAN will continue to analyze the
plan of fulfillment of national electricity needs through nuclear technology.
PLTN to meet the needs of electricity is a long-term effort, in the next 40-50
years. Regulations in Indonesia not yet accommodated a variety of utilization
of nuclear technology. But the results of electricity generation still involve
PT PLN (State Electricity Company).
Even if there is construction of IPP
(Independent Power Producer), sales and distribution system is through PPA
(power purchase agreement) system of PT PLN. “If nuclear energy could generate
1000 MW electricity, it would be able to help other energy, especially coal
fossil energy, fossil price is increasingly expensive. While, solar and wind
power is relatively expensive.”
Based on rough calculations,
Indonesia needs 50 PLTN reactors by 2050. This calculation mets the ideal
conditions for an equitable fulfillment of electricity needs throughout
Indonesia. As a comparison, Indonesia’s national electricity consumption
reached 680 kilo watt per hour (kwh) per capita. While in Malaysia, the average
consumption per household reached 3,500 kwh per capita. “If we want to be like
Malaysia, we have to build 10 gigawatts per year. But do not just rely on
fossil coal. The National Energy Policy (KEN) has recommended energy mix,
including nuclear.”
One large PLTN rector can supply
1000-2600 Megawatt electricity. While, a small reactor supplies 50-100 MW, and
medium reactor 300-500 Megawatts. BATAN is still calculating the needs and the
ideal size of the reactor needed. But in general, most major electrical needs
are in Java and Bali.
So the reactor needed is definitely
is of large size. While, for other islands, such as Kalimantan and Sulawesi, a
small reactor is enough. “Demand and supply should be balanced. If Borneo is
equipped with 1000 grade, it is imbalanced. But Java, in accordance with KEN
recommendation, must use energy mix, including geothermal, hydro, biodiesel and
others. It is still possible for PLTN to adjust to KEN recommendation. Do not
get rid of it, although we are not yet ready.”
BATAN is promoting the construction
of nuclear power plants (PLTN) as an effort to carry out the mandate of the
government. But, the promotional activity is still very early, namely
feasibility study. The long road to the success of development should also
involve a supervisory agency. Some great points for development realization
include, among other, supervision of safety.
In addition, licensing aspect is
very complicated and lengthy. Licensing is devided into several categories,
such as site approval, location permit, principle license, commissioning
permit, and so forth. BATAN has recommended four safe locations for the
construction of PLTN. “Two locations in Bangka, and two in Muria, Jepara, North
Coast of Jepara Central Java.”
Additionally, investors have to
prepare safety, feasibility, emergency analysis and so forth. All of these must
go through the assessment stage. BAPETEN (Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency) can
assess the feasibility after assessment. (E)
Business News - June 10, 2015
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